WEST LAFAYETTE — All three current members of Purdue coach Matt Painter's recruiting class hail from Indiana.

All three also share another trait Painter favors — versatility. On paper, Zionsville's Isaiah Thompson is a point guard, Valparaiso's Brandon Newman is a shooting guard and New Castle's Mason Gillis is a forward.

None of the three, however, can easily be pigeonholed into one style. Thompson can score in bunches. Newman thrives on the boards. Gillis' 3-point range enhances his offensive efficiency.

"All three are hard-working, competitive and skilled and are great pieces to match our program needs," Painter said via a news release from South Carolina, where the Boilermakers begin Charleston Classic play on Thursday.

"They have many of the same qualities, but are three different types of players. They all shot over 40 percent from 3-point range last year and have been on successful teams in high school. They play the game with passion and really love the game."

Newman averaged 25.1 points per game last season and proved himself as one of the best pure shooters in the state and beyond. He also averaged 9.5 rebounds, a testament to the physical way in which he uses his 6-4, 180-pound frame.

"He can shoot the ball really well off the move with great range," Painter said. "It’s very important for a guy his size to be able to do that. He’s very athletic and has good size and will really develop into an outstanding two-way player.

"You’re going to have to know where he is on the floor offensively because of his skill level, but he’s going to become a shut-down defender and bring that competitive nature on that end."

Thompson's brother, P.J., ran the point at Purdue for four seasons. The younger sibling aspires to fill that same role. But the 6-1, 160-pound Thompson also averaged 23.1 points per game last season, topping out with 40 against Kokomo.

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"He gives us a quintessential point guard and a guy that really understands the game," Painter said. "He can really shoot the basketball with great range. You can never have enough great shooters in your backcourt and Isaiah fits that mold."

Gillis is currently sidelined by a knee injury. He will continue rehabbing into January but said earlier this week he hopes to play this season if possible.

"He can play the 2, 3 or 4 and can guard a lot of guys," Painter said. "He’s very skilled and really understands and studies the game. It’s rare in high school that you can score around 25 points a game but on not many shots. He’s very efficient, can block shots, can rebound, can defend and really knows the game."

Purdue projects to have at least one additional open scholarship for the 2019 signing class, and possibly more depending on the likely NBA option for Carsen Edwards. Minnesota power forward Zeke Nnaji recently made an official visit and is expected to announce a decision later this month.

Nathan Baird covers Purdue men's basketball for the Journal & Courier. Contact him at 765-420-5234 or nbaird@jconline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @nbairdjc